Support improved coverage for prescription drugs, habilitative and rehabilitative benefits and other consumer protection including insurance coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions and the prohibition of discrimination based on an individual’s health status or diagnosis.

Medical and scientific data

Monitor current and emerging medical and scientific information related to the health and well-being of all persons living with SCI/D. Work to ensure that all persons living with SCI/D have access to every opportunity that improves their health and quality of life.

CORE BELIEF 2 – Independent Living, Employment and Self-Sufficiency

United Spinal supports policies that allow adults and young people living with disabilities to maximize their independence and remain active in their communities. Individuals with disabilities must have equal access to affordable, accessible housing and transportation; opportunities for competitive, integrated employment; and self-sufficiency through improved income security.

Housing

Support policies that increase access to affordable, accessible housing for all.

Transportation Equity

Support local and federal policies that create affordable, accessible transportation options for all. Support policies that promote compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and continue efforts to promote and ensure pedestrian safety.

Employment, Self-sufficiency and Income Security

Support increased opportunities for access to competitive, integrated employment, income generation, asset-building and community integration.

United Spinal promotes policies that establish consumer-directed quality health care and community integration. Individuals with disabilities must have access to community-based services and supports and customized care that best meets their needs and facilitates their independence and community engagement.

Home and Community-Based Services and Supports

Advance the use of home and community-based services (HCBS). Provide opportunities for Medicaid beneficiaries to receive services in their own homes or communities.

Delivery of Care

Promote best practices for delivery of care based on individual choice, person-centered planning, consumer self-direction while enhancing personal financing options.

CORE BELIEF 4 – Preservation of Social Security Benefits

Social Security Disability Benefits/Supplemental Security Income

Advocate for policies that improve, simplify, and update social security disability (SSDI) benefits for individuals with disabilities and supplemental security income (SSI) to individuals with disabilities with limited income.

Employment

Maximize employment opportunities for current and future beneficiaries.

Disability Benefit Determinations

Work to ensure that claimants receive their disability benefits as quickly as possible.

Social Security Administration Funding

Support adequate funding of the Social Security Administration for personnel and service needs.

CORE BELIEF 5 – Protect the Rights of People with Disabilities

United Spinal believes that discrimination against individuals with disabilities that produces barriers to housing, employment, transportation, health care and other programs and services must be eliminated. Without protections provided through the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Air Carriers Access Act, and other similar laws, individuals with disabilities are restricted from participating fully in society and living active, productive, independent lives with access to employment, educational and social opportunities as is their right.

National Disability Rights
Protect and advance the requirements and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities to access services and participate in their communities.

International Disability Rights
Promote the ideals of the Americans with Disabilities Act to nations around the world to increase the ability of individuals with disabilities to travel, work, and live abroad thus enhancing their quality of life.

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury can result in paralysis of the muscles used for breathing; paralysis and/or loss of feeling in all or some of the trunk, arms, and legs; weakness; numbness; loss of bowel and bladder control; and numerous secondary conditions including respiratory problems, pressure sores, and sometimes fatal spikes in blood pressure.
Approximately 12,000 new spinal cord injuries occur in the U.S. each year. A majority of injuries occur from motor vehicle accidents, falls, work-related accidents, sports injuries, and penetrations such as stab or gunshot wounds.

Our Membership Community

Our membership community provides a lifeline for many individuals that are focused on regaining their independence and improving their quality of life––whether they are leaving rehab after sustaining a spinal cord injury, learning to live with symptoms of a spinal cord disorder, or have spent years of frustration coping with disability. We provide members guidance and resources on a variety of topics they are passionate about, such as employment, affordable housing, transportation, health care, home- and community-based independent living, education, peer support, and leisure and recreation.

Ask Us

United Spinal’s Ask Us program connects you with information, resources, and access to our “Ask Us Spinal Cord Central” help center. Browse the Knowledge Books below for answers to your questions. If you can’t find what you are looking for just Ask Us and one of our knowledgeable staff will provide you with answers.